In this episode of the Planet Paintball podcast, host Hunter Patterson engages with Virgil and Stephen from Blast Camp, discussing their journeys into paintball ownership and competitive play. They explore the importance of building a strong community, integrating recreational and tournament play, and creating opportunities for new players. The conversation highlights the return of Blast Camp's semi-pro team and the significance of showcases for player development. The episode concludes with an official roster announcement for the upcoming 2026 season, emphasizing the commitment required for success in the sport. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the world of competitive paintball, discussing personal experiences, team dynamics, sponsorships, and the transition from player to coach. They emphasize the importance of support staff, the business side of paintball, and the need for improved production value in broadcasts. The discussion also touches on the future of competitive paintball and how to engage casual viewers more effectively.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Paintball Passion

02:39 Journey into Paintball Ownership

05:20 The Competitive Spirit of Paintball

08:03 Building a Community in Paintball

11:06 The Evolution of Team Dynamics

13:50 Integrating Recreational and Tournament Play

16:43 Creating Opportunities for Players

19:35 The Future of Blast Camp Semi-Pro

22:32 Showcasing Talent in the Midwest

25:26 Innovative Training and Community Engagement

28:07 The Balance of Team Ownership and Parenthood

30:53 Building a Competitive Team Structure

33:35 Transitioning Roles: From Player to Coach

38:57 Sponsorships and Team Development

42:31 Personal Connections and Team Rituals

48:11 The Transition to Coaching

51:22 The Importance of Support Staff

52:41 The Role of Analytics in Coaching

55:44 Exploring Blast Camp and Scenario Paintball

58:07 The Mid-American X-Ball League

01:01:59 Building Competitive Paintball from the Ground Up

In this engaging conversation, Tadd Parker shares his journey through the world of paintball, from his early experiences to the formation and evolution of the Cleveland Chaos team. He discusses the dynamics of competitive paintball, the importance of practice techniques, and the financial aspects of being part of a team. Tadd also highlights the significance of team chemistry, communication, and the challenges of coaching while playing. As they look forward to the upcoming season, Tadd expresses excitement about the team's future and the potential for growth within the paintball community.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Conversation

00:00 Exploring Key Themes

00:00 Introduction to Paintball Journeys

01:47 Early Experiences and Team Dynamics

08:08 The Return to Paintball and Team Development

10:46 Cleveland Chaos: Origins and Growth

13:27 Practice Strategies and Team Cadence

17:06 Financial Aspects of Competitive Paintball

19:55 Training and Local Resources

21:49 The Importance of Practice and Skill Development

24:22 Transitioning from MSXL to NXL: A Competitive Journey

28:52 Merging Teams: The Cleveland Chaos Legacy

31:29 Looking Ahead: Plans for the Upcoming Season

36:53 Coaching Dynamics: Balancing Player and Coach Roles

41:03 Transitioning Through Competitive Levels

43:27 Team Dynamics and Roster Management

45:15 Training and Preparation Strategies

47:13 Field Preferences and Practice Locations

48:54 Pre-Match Rituals and Team Spirit

52:36 Envisioning a New Paintball Format

55:16 Honoring Local Legends and Influencers

57:50 Shoutouts and Future Aspirations

In this episode of the Planet Paintball Podcast, Michael Aiken shares his journey through the world of paintball, starting from his childhood in Eastern Tennessee to becoming a competitive player and mentor. He discusses the influence of family, the transition from woodsball to speedball, and the importance of community in growing the sport. Michael emphasizes the joy of sharing paintball with youth and the lessons learned through coaching and mentorship, highlighting the need for a welcoming environment for new players. In this conversation, Michael Aiken shares his journey through the world of paintball, highlighting the importance of family, mentorship, and creating a positive environment for players. He discusses the transition from recreational play to competitive speedball, the challenges faced in tournaments, and the joy of building a family-friendly culture within the sport. Aiken emphasizes the significance of preparing the next generation of players and reflects on his past experiences while looking forward to future aspirations in paintball.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Paintball Journey

02:31 Early Experiences and Discovering Paintball

05:21 Building a Paintball Community

08:14 Transitioning to Competitive Play

11:03 High School and Paintball's Influence

13:43 The Shift to Speedball and Team Dynamics

16:38 Life Changes and Paintball Break

19:19 Reconnecting with Paintball Through Youth Ministry

26:56 Blessings and Family Bonds

28:08 Mentorship and Youth Engagement

30:11 Community Support and Generosity

31:54 Passion for Paintball and Family

33:01 Attracting Youth to Paintball

36:39 Coaching and Balancing Life

37:32 Creekside's Journey and Identity

45:00 Creating a Positive Paintball Culture

50:48 Celebrating Team Success and Family Bonds

52:47 The Transition to Youth Paintball

55:29 Navigating Gear and Sponsorships

58:09 Fostering Community and Mentorship in Paintball

01:04:49 The Joy of Family Participation in Paintball

🎙 NEW EPISODE! Planet Paintball Podcast — Episode 96 ✈️🎒🎨

Get ready for a behind-the-scenes look at the chaos, competition, and camaraderie that fueled this season! In this episode, the crew breaks down their latest paintball adventure — and nothing was off-limits.

Here’s what we dive into:
✈️ Travel disasters — flight cancellations, scrambling for backup plans, and the struggle of traveling with gear.
🎒 Packing & gear management — what went wrong, what went right, and what they'll never do again.
🔥 Youth team dynamics — the growth, challenges, and standout moments from the next generation of players.
🧠 Tournament strategy — how they adapted, what they learned, and their biggest takeaways from the season.
🌧 Field conditions — mud, weather, layouts, and how it all shaped their approach.
🤝 Sponsors & support — why sponsorships matter and how they influence competitive progression.
📅 Plans for next season — goals, adjustments, and what fans can expect from the team moving forward.

If you love the grind, the glory, and the real-life experiences behind competitive paintball, this one’s for you.

🎧 EPISODE 96 is LIVE NOW!
Tap in and join the conversation! 💥🟩🔫

In this episode of the Planet Paintball podcast, Hunter Patterson interviews Jackson from the New York Wrecking Crew. They discuss Jackson's journey in paintball, the importance of fitness and teamwork, and his experiences at the World Cup. Jackson shares insights on transitioning to a new team, Grind City, and offers advice for lower division players on improving their game. The conversation highlights the significance of communication, strategy, and personal growth in the sport.

🔥 NEW EPISODE DROP! 🔥
🎙️ Planet Paintball Podcast – Episode 94 🎙️

This week, Hunter Patterson sits down with Brent Nolen for an inside look at one of the strongest competitive runs of the season! 💪🎯

✨ What’s Inside:
• 💥 An undefeated streak in prelims all season
• 🏆 A deep dive into their incredible 2nd place finish at World Cup
• 🎯 Lessons learned from tough matches and big moments
• 🔧 How mindset, preparation, and execution shaped their season
• 📈 What’s next for Brent and his squad

If you love competitive insight, real talk, and big-event breakdowns, you don’t want to miss this one!

🎧 Stream Episode 94 now!
#PlanetPaintball #PaintballPodcast #WorldCup #BrentNolen #PaintballLife #NXL

In this conversation, Hunter Patterson and Edward Bolton discuss their experiences in the paintball community, focusing on Team Smoke's recent achievements, future plans, and the evolution of paintball culture in Charleston. Edward shares his personal journey into paintball, the unique culture of the Charleston scene, and the significance of the GLK legacy. They also delve into the transition from pump to electric markers, favorite equipment, and the importance of community in the sport. In this engaging conversation, Edward Bolton and Hunter Patterson delve into the evolution of paintball fields, the importance of community events, and the dynamics of competitive play. They discuss the significance of off-season activities, the role of coaching, and the challenges posed by different formats in the sport. The dialogue highlights the need for growth within the paintball community and the excitement surrounding upcoming events, particularly the Tin Man tournaments. Their insights reflect a deep passion for the sport and a commitment to fostering a vibrant paintball culture.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Announcements

00:47 Team Smoke's Recent Achievements

02:39 Future Plans for Team Smoke

04:16 Edward's Paintball Journey Begins

06:50 The Evolution of the GLK Culture

10:36 The Charleston Paintball Scene

13:22 Old School Paintball Guns and Mechanics

15:47 The Legacy of GLK and Its Impact

19:08 Personal Reflections on Paintball and Community

24:33 The Journey Back to Speedball

26:43 Building a New Field

29:30 Overcoming Injuries and Challenges

32:23 Creating a Community

35:24 Transitioning to Competitive Play

38:54 The Evolution of the Game

43:16 Future of the Field and Community

50:46 The Evolution of Coaching in Paintball

51:25 Growing the Sport: Community Engagement and Events

53:18 The Importance of Fun Events in Paintball

54:42 Challenges of Paint Costs and Accessibility

55:52 Three-Man vs. Five-Man Formats: A Skill Comparison

59:15 Exploring Non-Traditional Formats in Paintball

01:01:24 The Value of Diverse Playing Experiences

01:04:00 Upcoming Events and Community Connections

01:09:39 The Future of Local Teams and Competitions

In this episode of the Planet Paintball podcast, Hunter Patterson and Jacob discuss their experiences at the World Cup, Jacob's journey in paintball, and the importance of team dynamics and communication. They delve into offseason preparation strategies, the significance of constructive criticism, and how to adapt to new field layouts. The conversation emphasizes the need for resilience in the face of adversity and the value of teamwork in achieving success.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome Back and World Cup Reflections

05:32 Jacob's Paintball Journey

10:50 Team Dynamics and Longevity

15:59 Hard Conversations in Team Settings

21:17 Preparing for the Offseason

26:16 Fundamentals and Individual Improvement

31:43 Team Communication and Strategy

38:51 Field Breakdown and Zone Strategy

44:27 Practice Structure and Team Dynamics

54:44 Building a Cohesive Team Culture

In this conversation, Mason Whited shares his journey into the world of competitive paintball, highlighting the excitement and challenges he faced while trying to find the right team and field to play in. He reflects on the competitive nature of the sport and the varying levels of commitment among teams, which shaped his initial experiences.

In this episode of the Planet Paintball podcast, Hunter Patterson and his brother B dive into the latest happenings in the paintball world. They discuss the recent World Cup, the performance of various teams, and the dynamics of the semi-pro and pro leagues. The conversation also touches on the challenges of maintaining paintball fields, the evolution of equipment, and the future of paintball events. With insights into team strategies and league structures, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the current state of competitive paintball.